DUI & TRAFFIC OFFENSE

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in Colorado Springs

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Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorneys You Can Count On

Don’t face DUI, DWAI, or criminal traffic violation charges without an experienced criminal defense team on your side. A seemingly simple traffic citation can have detrimental and long-lasting effects on your future. At the Law Offices of Murphy and Price, our experienced legal team will aggressively defend your rights.

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Criminal Traffic Violations

  • DUI/DWAI
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident
  • Driving on a Suspended License
  • Reckless Driving
  • Habitual Traffic Offender
  • Eluding Law Enforcement
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"EXCELLENT JOB!"

“Mr. Price did an excellent job in assisting us with our legal matters. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending him as an attorney for anyone in need of his assistance.”

- Michael H.

DUI & Traffic Offense Lawyers

traffic_ipimageEvery year in Colorado, approximately 30,000 people are arrested for intoxication behind the wheel. Yet, depending on the degree of intoxication, drivers can either be charged with the more serious DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired), but what’s the difference between the two?

Here’s a brief explanation of DUI vs. DWAI from experienced DUI attorneys:

A DUI refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To be found guilty, the motorist must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.8 or higher or be found to be greatly incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle. Under Colorado law, a DWAI is defined as driving a vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs that affect your physical or mental abilities to even the slightest degree. You could be charged with a DWAI even if your BAC is less than 0.8.

DUIs and DWAIs aren’t the only traffic violations to be mindful of. If you’ve been charged with a violation such as reckless driving, speeding, or driving under a suspended license, there are a number of potential problems you could face that require a lawyer’s expertise. Your driver’s license could be suspended, your insurance rates might be significantly increased, and if you’ve had multiple traffic violations, you could even be deemed a Colorado Habitual Traffic Offender, which denies you the privilege of operating a motor vehicle for up to five full years.

If you’ve already been arrested and charged, or if you suspect you’re being investigated and charges are forthcoming, hire a DUI lawyer at the Law Office of Warren D. Price.


With years of experience, Attorney Price knows what’s at stake for you and will work zealously to safeguard your rights and provide you with the best possible defense.


How DUI Charges Can Escalate

In the State of Colorado, every criminal offense has a corresponding maximum penalty for conviction. However, if a prosecutor argues that there were aggravating factors or there are other circumstances surrounding your charges, a simple misdemeanor DUI can quickly escalate to felony charges with harsher penalties. When you are facing charges of a DUI, with or without other extenuating circumstances, you need an experienced DUI defense attorney on your side to ensure that you are not subjected to egregious charges or penalties. At the law offices of Murphy & Price in Colorado Springs, our dedicated legal team will begin creating a defense as soon as you contact us. Don’t hesitate, contact us today!

What Constitutes a DUI in Colorado?

According to Colorado state law, it is illegal for any person to drive any vehicle while under the influence of any combination of alcohol or drugs. A person is considered to be “under the influence” if the drugs and/or alcohol affects the person to such a degree that the person is either mentally or physically (or both) substantially incapable of exercising clear judgment, control, or due care in the safe operation of the vehicle. While the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08 percent, if one of the conditions listed as being impaired is present, you may still be charged with a DUI, as BAC does not measure the amount of other substances in the blood. If the driver of a vehicle is impaired “to the slightest degree,” and the BAC is above 0.05 but under 0.08, they can still be charged with a driving while ability impaired (DWAI).


DUI/ DWAI Conviction Penalties in Colorado

First DWAI – (no prior offenses)
2 -180 days jail;
$200 – $500 fine;
24 – 48 hours of public service;
Class 3 Additional surcharges and a victims panel class.
Second DWAI – (with one prior DWAI conviction)
45 -365 days jail;
$600 – $1000 fine;
48 – 96 hours of public service;
Additional surcharges and a victims panel class.
DWAI – (with prior DUI conviction)
60 -365 days jail;
$800 – $1200 fine;
52 – 104 hours of public service;
First DUI – (no prior offenses)
5 -365 days jail;
$600 – $1000 fine;
48 – 96 hours of public service;
Additional surcharges and a victims panel class.
Second DUI – (with one prior DUI conviction or no priors but a BAC of 0.20 percent or greater)
90 -365 days jail;
$900 – $1500 fine;
60 – 120 hours of public service;
Additional surcharges and a victims panel class.
DUI – (with prior DWAI conviction)
70 -365 days jail;
$1000 – $5000 fine;
56 – 112 hours of public service;
Additional surcharges and a victims panel class.
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What to Do If You Are Stopped For a Traffic Violation

Under Colorado law, an extraordinary risk crime is one that presents a substantial risk of harm or impairment to the health and safety of society. If convicted of an extraordinary risk offense, the defendant will face harsher sentencing, including longer prison sentence, more expensive fines, and longer parole/probation than other crimes with the same felony Class. Felony extraordinary risk crimes include:

  1. Pull over as soon as you notice you are being pulled over.
  2. Do not give the LEO an excuse to search your vehicle.
  3. Roll your window down and ensure your hands are visible at all times.
  4. Be polite without offering more information than is requested.
  5. Only get out of your vehicle if requested.
  6. Sign the ticket and contact your Colorado traffic attorney.

When It’s Time to Contact a Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer

Under Colorado law, an extraordinary risk crime is one that presents a substantial risk of harm or impairment to the health and safety of society. If convicted of an extraordinary risk offense, the defendant will face harsher sentencing, including longer prison sentence, more expensive fines, and longer parole/probation than other crimes with the same felony Class. Felony extraordinary risk crimes include:

  • The violation causes you to receive “points” on your record.
  • You were charged with a criminal offense — DUI/SWAI, vehicular homicide, etc.
  • You are a commercial driver or depend on driving for your career
  • You’ve had multiple tickets
  • You’re facing suspension of your license
  • You were arrested at the time of the traffic stop
  • You’re required to take a mandatory defensive driving course
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Prepare a strong case to fight the charges with persuading arguments.

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Collect evidence to help dispute the traffic violation charges.

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Get the traffic ticket dismissed.

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Get the traffic violation charges reduced.

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Secure a “not guilty” verdict if your case goes to trial.

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"EXPERT SERVICE!"

“Warren Price got me the best possible outcome. Through a tough time, he provided expert service and a lot of helpful input. Finest representation I have ever had.”

- Kelly A.

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"A MOST EXCELLENT LAWYER"

“Mr. Price is a most excellent lawyer. His excellent knowledge of the law and expertise in the courtroom were instrumental in getting our case dismissed. Besides this, he is a person who truly cares about his clients. We heartily recommend him to anyone seeking wise, competent counsel.”

~Sherry H.

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